Growing Scotland's Islands: can the National Islands Plan stimulate a population turnaround?

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A key goal of the National Islands Plan (Scottish Government 2019) is to increase population levels in the Scottish islands and to ensure a healthy, balanced population profile, addressing longstanding issues of population decline and an ageing population. Several islands and island local authorities have launched initiatives aimed at attracting return migrants and newcomers of working age to island communities, which will be key to achieving the goal of increasing population (Argyll and Bute Council, 2020; BBC News 2020). Also key, but typically given less attention, will be the retention of these islanders in the longer term. Covid-19 has also shown the potential to live on islands whilst working remote. This so-called 'disaster gentrification' may strain island economies (Ibbetson, 2020; Weeden, 2020) whilst providing possibilities for repopulation. Brexit offers opportunities for revisions to policies impacting island communities but also raises uncertainties around the deliverability of policy objectives in the face of competing demands on funding. Building on the findings of previous research, for example, studies of rural return migration, in-migration to rural areas at different life course stages, and ongoing research led by the Collaborative Partner, namely the Islands Revival project (Islands Revival, 2019) and the National Islands Plan Survey, the successful student will, for this PhD research, undertake an in-depth study of working age, in-migrant islanders (whether new or returning). Islanders' motivations for moving to an island community, lived experiences of island life and future plans, including residential and employment aspirations, will be explored. The study will fill a gap in the literature regarding population, employment and lifestyle trends in remote and island communities. Framed by theories of resilience and mobilities, it will provide insights and evidence of relevance to policy makers and others seeking to influence the demographic fortunes of remote and island communities